The political left in Los Angeles, often categorized as progressive or super progressive, is making significant strides to expand its power at City Hall. Candidates on the left end of the political spectrum achieved important victories in the March 5 primary election for City Council, paving the way for potential runoff campaigns and a potential increase in their influence by the end of the year.

Progressive activists and advocacy groups played a key role in reelecting City Councilmember Nithya Raman and pushing two other left-of-center candidates, Ysabel Jurado and Jillian Burgos, into runoff elections against more moderate opponents. Bill Przylucki, executive director of Ground Game LA, a nonprofit advocacy group, emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts in securing these wins.

If Burgos and Jurado succeed in the upcoming runoffs, the number of council members with deeply progressive backgrounds will rise from three to five, constituting a third of the 15-member council. This potential five-member super-progressive voting bloc could have a substantial impact on critical issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, tenant protections, public transit, bike lanes, and the size of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Some skeptics in L.A.’s political landscape argue that the left’s impact may be overstated, pointing to victories by centrist incumbents like John Lee and Imelda Padilla. Despite these wins, the potential expansion of the progressive bloc remains a significant development in the city’s political landscape.

L.A.’s progressive groups are optimistic about the potential changes that Jurado and Burgos could bring to City Hall. Julio Marcial of the Liberty Hill Foundation emphasized the need for a shift in priorities towards community safety strategies that prioritize affordable housing, mental health services, and job training over traditional law enforcement approaches.

Burgos and Jurado share a vision of repealing Municipal Code 41.18, which restricts homeless encampments in certain areas, creating social housing initiatives, reimagining traffic enforcement, and advocating for fare-free public transportation. Their policy goals align with a broader progressive agenda that aims to address systemic issues and promote equitable outcomes in the city.

While the upcoming runoffs will determine the composition of the City Council, candidates like Burgos and Jurado, along with other progressive voices, are poised to bring a new wave of policies and perspectives to City Hall. The potential expansion of the progressive bloc represents a significant shift in Los Angeles’s political landscape, with implications for various policy areas and community priorities.

The 2024 city election has set the stage for a dynamic political landscape in L.A., with the left seeking to consolidate its power and influence at City Hall. The outcomes of the upcoming runoffs will shape the direction of the city’s governance and highlight the growing influence of progressive voices in shaping policy decisions and priorities.